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NHL Notebook

Callahan may miss opener, Gomez signs with Panthers

QMI Agency

Wednesday, July 31, 2013
9:38:54 CDT PM

New York Rangers captain Ryan Callahan collides with Washington Capitals defenceman John Erskine during Game 6 of the Eastern Conference quarterfinal at Madison Square Garden in New York, May 12, 2013. (REUTERS/Adam Hunger)

Ryan Callahan is apparently on schedule after shoulder surgery in late May.

But the New York Rangers captain doesn’t plan on doing much in training camp. And that may hinder his return to the lineup for opening night.

“As the schedule goes, it’s going to dip into training camp and it’s possible it could dip into the regular season, too,” Callahan told NHL.com. “The biggest thing with this is the contact. I should be able to be fully skating and shooting in training camp, but it’s when you can take contact and I don’t think you know that until you get further on and they evaluate it and check it out.”

Callahan said he injured himself in a Jan. 29 fight with Philadelphia Flyers forward Maxime Talbot, which sidelined him for three games. That led to shoulder problems the rest of the season, separating it multiple times.

GOMEZ INKS WITH PANTHERS

Scott Gomez looks to impart his hockey knowledge on a young Florida Panthers squad next season.

The club signed the 13-year NHL veteran to a one-year contract for a reported $900,000.

“Scott is a veteran centre who adds further depth to the middle of our line-up,” Panthers general manager Dale Tallon said. “He is a quick and skilled forward, with a wealth of hockey experience, including two Stanley Cup titles, who will be a leader for our younger players.”

Gomez played for the San Jose Sharks last season after his contract was bought out by the Montreal Canadiens. He also played for the New York Rangers and New Jersey Devils.

Over his career, the 33-year-old has 171 goals and 701 points in 941 games.